  The Pennsylvania Psychological Association's Public Information Newsletter |
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Psychological News You Can Use
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 Welcome Spring!
This season is a time of growth and renewal. With the warmer weather and brighter days, we can find the motivation to make changes and better care for ourselves and our loved ones. Also, March is Brain Injury Awareness month. In the spirit of Spring, this newsletter contains information to help you and those you care for be safe, healthy and connected. Please help us share these articles by forwarding this newsletter to anyone you know who might benefit from it. Christina Carson-Sacco, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist PPA E-newsletter Chair www.TheCenterInWarrington.com |
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Concussion Management - Now It's the Law
James J. Stone, Psy.D.
Do you know the signs and symptoms of a concussion? Would you know how to determine if a child who fell but didn't hit his/her head had a concussion? Well, if you are a coach in Pennsylvania, you better know how before this summer.
When it comes to concussions, you have probably heard of many of the more famous athletes who have had plenty - Troy Aikman, Brett Farve and, of course, Eric Lindross. But have you ever heard of Zack Lystedt? Soon, you might.
Zack was a middle school student in Washington State who sustained a traumatic brain injury during a football game. He was hurt while making a tackle and, after sitting out for a while, returned in the fourth quarter, collapsed after the game and needed two emergency brain surgeries to survive. Getting hit a second time likely contributed to his brain injury.
As a result, Washington passed a law (called the "Zackery Lystedt Law") that requires a player who shows signs of a concussion be removed from a game or practice, and bars the player from competing again until being cleared by a licensed health care professional trained in concussion evaluation and management.
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Sexual Abuse:
Fear or Knowledge?
Marolyn Morford, Ph.D.
Q: How do I respond to my child who's heard about sexual abuse or rape? I don't want to scare her.
A: Which is scarier, your child knowing about sex, sexual abuse, and rape, or being unaware, defenseless, and the victim of this type of abuse? As parents, we can give our children knowledge to understand events, human nature, and how to protect themselves.
It is only in modern times and in the Western World that we have a romantic view of childhood as being carefree and protected, leaving our children vulnerable to dangers of which they are unaware.
For a different point of view, read the original versions of fairy tales, or learn about how, even now, tens of thousands of young girls and boys are put in pedophile brothels all over the world (including the U.S.), dwarfing the 19th century slave trade.*
Are we underestimating children's ability to understand all aspects of life, thereby underpreparing them for the real world?
Sex is a topic we often avoid talking about at any age. However, creating a comfortable atmosphere in which it can be discussed is as essential a part of parenting as is teaching good manners or how to read. Although some people believe that teaching children about sex encourages them to have sex or have sex earlier, this belief is not supported by research.
So here's what you're going to do when your child asks about sex, sexual abuse, or rape: you're going to tell your child what these things are and you're going to tell your child about people. It won't be as tough as you think, and it is very important.
1. Teach your child about the body, using real names and explaining what the various parts do now and will do in the future. Use real words, such as sex, vagina, intercourse, erection, and so on.
Talk openly about these matters. If a child is not clear about what sex is and is not, what parts of the body can be used in a sexual way, then that child is prey to someone who says he is "just playing" or "being friendly." If you need help with this, consult your pediatrician or a child psychologist.
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She Has Dementia: I'm Losing Her
Your loved one may be losing some abilities. But are you really losing her, or just how you want her to remain? Can you maintain the relationship?
When you were 5, you probably thought your parents could do anything. They annoyed you when they denied you something, because you "knew" they had superpowers. When you were 16, you became aware of their limitations: they aren't perfect. When you reached adulthood, you probably knew even more about your parents.
Not only did your parents change throughout your life, but so did your perceptions of them. Although your perceptions of your parents may take a more dramatic shift when they develop dementia, it is important to keep in mind that they are still the same people.
What is dementia? Dementia is the general term for diminished cognitive capacity that sometimes accompanies aging. Today dementia refers to a loss of brain function that accompanies certain diseases. It is a set of symptoms that are severe enough to interfere with ordinary functioning. The affected functions may include memory, thinking, language, perception, and behavior.
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 Getting Healthy with Your Child: Everyday Activities You're Already Doing!
Christie Sworen-Parise, Psy.D.
When you think about your child 20 years from now, do you picture a person who is unhappy, unhealthy, and unmotivated?
Most parents want their child to be healthy and happy. You, as a parent, have amazing power to change your child's future. What you do today sets the pace for your child for the rest of his/her life.
Let me show you how to use everyday activities to promote health and happiness in your child, without adding extra duties to your to-do list.
According to the American Heart Association, one out of three kids in America is considered overweight or obese. This is an alarming number considering the long-term consequences for a child who is overweight. The American Heart Association notes that a child who is overweight is more likely to develop:
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Low self-esteem
- Depression
Doctors say children should get an average of 60 minutes of activity per day. This number can appear unrealistic in an already jam-packed day. If this was your first thought to that statement, know that you are not alone.
Below are 10 everyday activities that burn calories and promote health in you and your child (estimates based on 30 minutes of exercise for an average 150-pound individual). As a bonus, these activities will aid in strengthening your relationship with your child.
1. Cooking -- Cooking with your child may get messy, but is a great way to get in shape and model healthy eating for your child! Did you know that kneading and rolling dough for a pizza burns 168 to 348 calories? Buy wheat pizza dough, tomato sauce, and low fat cheese to keep your eating healthy.
2. Grocery shopping -- Grocery shopping is not the most fun activity, but what if I told you that pushing a cart while shopping can burn 130 calories? Let your child push the cart or get your child his/her very own little cart. Most stores have "baby" carts for kids. This way both you and your child burn away those pesky calories.
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 Concussion Management, continued...
The Law in Pennsylvania
Now, similar laws are popping up all over the nation, including Pennsylvania. In July 2012, the "Safety in Youth Sports Act" will go into effect for public schools and require many of the same provisions as the "Zackery Lystedt Law." Signed by Governor Corbett on November 9, 2011, the law requires:
- A mandatory "informational meeting" for competitors of all ages, their parents and coaches on proper concussion management
- Students and parents to sign that they have received and reviewed educational materials on concussions and traumatic brain injury
- Mandatory training of coaches in a concussion management certification program
- Establishing standards for identifying and managing concussions
- Mandatory removal from activities of any student who is suspected of having a head injury
- Evaluation of any student who is suspected of having sustained a head injury before they are allowed to return
- Evaluation of players by a licensed physician, certified athletic trainer or a licensed psychologist neuropsychologically trained.
The Penalties
If you are a coach, you will need to know the rules because penalties await coaches who do not comply. The first offense is met with a suspension for the rest of the season. A second offense extends the suspension to the entire following season as well. Coaches who violate the law three times are permanently suspended from coaching.
There is also pending legislation in the U.S. Congress. Last January, Rep. Tim Bishop (D-NY) introduced H.R. 469, the Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act of 2011. The bill contains many of the same provisions as the Pennsylvania law, but also attaches federal funding for compliance. Currently, the bill is in subcommittee, and, as a result, many states have scrambled to create their own concussion legislation. Since Rep. Bishop's bill was introduced just a year ago, new legislation has been passed in 21 states, bringing the total number of states with concussion laws to 33.
Future Directions
It is clear that the awareness of concussions in children is growing, which is a positive development for our youth. Now with these laws being passed, we have some tools to ensure the proper identification and treatment of concussions by qualified professionals. However, parents and other caregivers can help by providing proper supervision and protection to prevent concussions happening in the first place.
Some prevention tips:
- Always wear your seatbelt
- Always wear a helmet when bicycling, skateboarding or rollerblading
- Wear a mouth guard in non-helmet sports such as basketball and soccer
- Never dive into the shallow end of a pool
Note: Zackery Lystedt graduated from high school last year, after returning to school with modifications. He started Bellevue College in the fall and will move into a new custom-built house that caters to the Lystedts' needs for caring for their son.
Dr. Stone is a neuropsychologist and concussion specialist at The Center for Neuropsychology and Counseling in Warrington PA. The Center offers evaluations as well as individual and group therapies for children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. For more information about The Center, visit www.thecenterinwarrington.com.
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She Has Dementia, continued...
Several diseases can cause dementia. Alzheimer's is one of them, but not the only one. Also, there are less severe memory losses that accompany aging, but do not indicate a serious disease. They result from a general slowing of physical functions as people age.
What if your loved one has dementia? Dementia brings loss: a loss of abilities in the person with the disease, and a loss for you because you want them to be the way they used to be. However, even though a person with dementia may have very different behaviors than he or she used to, the same person is there. You may feel cheated because the person you love can't be the way you've been accustomed to them. You see change you don't want.
Three Simple Facts
1. You can still have a relationship with the person with dementia.
2. She (or he) can still enjoy life.
3. You can still enjoy the person, even though they are different.
How can you do this?
By observing, experimenting, and adjusting what you do.
Your concern about what the person can no longer do may interfere with your ability to see what they can do. Carefully observing your loved one, watching what they seem interested in and what gives them pleasure, may suggest ways of continuing to enjoy them.
Dementia may have different patterns of decline. At the outset, you may find that simply slowing yourself may safeguard good interactions. You can talk more slowly, change subjects less abruptly, and plan on doing fewer tasks in a time period. In an atmosphere of less rush and more presence, the older person may still enjoy eating his or her favorite foods, watching the same sports, hearing about usual topics. There can be mutual enjoyment.
As the person changes, you may have to observe more, and try out different activities and topics. If the latest sports figures seem confusing, discuss earlier sports figures. Perhaps current neighbors don't seem recognized. Use pictures and photo albums to have conversations about family memories. You might learn some things about your family you'll be glad to know. Sometimes very simple gestures and movements, -- holding hands, stroking a face -- will allow you to maintain contact.
Continue to adjust your expectations and see what simple things bring enjoyment. My father loved to tease. As he became less verbal, my brother took on the role of teasing my mother. Then my father only had to agree. Eventually, teasing took on a nonverbal form. When my mother suggested something, a vigorous thumbs-down on my brother's part would lead to my father joining in with the simple, but clearly teasing, gesture. My father was much diminished; he was still the same person.
These reflections are not meant to deny the losses associated with dementia; these losses bring grief to us and to the person with dementia. They are meant to remind us of what remains: some simpler enjoyments and the presence of the person we have already loved through many changes.
Sr. Gail Cabral, IHM, Ph.D., professor of psychology, is a developmental psychologist, licensed in Pennsylvania. She teaches at Marywood University. Her research interests include friendship, peer relations, bullying and cyber-bullying behaviors, and the relationship of spirituality and psychology. |
Sexual Abuse, continued...
2. Explain that sexual activity is a kindness activity that occurs between adults who give permission. If sex occurs with a child, even if the adult is being nice, this is very bad for the child, and adults need to know right away. Be sure to tell your child that children are always too young to give permission for someone to have sex with them. [Note to adults: children's exploratory play is not sex.]
3. Empower your children by teaching them to trust their own judgement or feelings about someone. Discuss with your child that people make mistakes, and sometimes these are very serious: people can do very bad things, including sexual abuse of adults or children, and that all kinds of people make these mistakes, no matter how popular, loved, and important. Ninety percent of child sexual abusers are family or friends of the family/community. Adults need to trust their own sense about a person, too, and investigate things that don't seem right.
4. Advise your child to tell at least three people if something doesn't seem right.
If you feel uncomfortable with some of the questions your child has, don't worry, responding can be easier than you think. You may find that your child is satisfied with one sentence and then is off onto something else. Remember, this is a long-term conversation. Since you cannot always be there to protect your children, give your children the knowledge to protect themselves.
For more information:
www.childwelfare.gov
http://www.traffickingproject.org
Nicholas D. Kristof, NY Times, 11/13/2011
Marolyn Morford, Ph.D. is a developmental & clinical psychologist in State College, PA.
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Getting Healthy With Your Child, continued...
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3. Raking leaves -- Put the leaf blower away and grab that dusty rake. Raking or sacking leaves burns up to 149 calories each. Bring your child outside and bond while raking and putting leaves into a bag. To add more fun for your child, make a scavenger hunt with objects already outside. Your child will have fun running around gathering objects.
4. Shoveling snow -- Shoveling snow is unavoidable in the wintertime. Put the snowsuits on, shovel away, and burn 223 calories! You and your child will have a blast shoveling snow into a big pile. Make a fort, build a snow man, and have fun!
5. Baking -- Kids love cookies: making them, decorating them, and eating them! Roll up your sleeves with your child. Grab a rolling pin and have fun!
6. Cleaning the house -- Good news! Cleaning the house can leave your house sparkling clean, while shedding those extra calories. Get your children involved and share the responsibility. Pushing a vacuum can burn up to 119 calories, while activities such as dusting can burn around 102 calories. If you wash the dishes, you will continue to burn another 150 calories.
7. Parking away from store -- Seems like a simple solution, right? That's because it is. Park your car away from the store's front door and walk some extra steps (15 minutes = 60 calories burned). Best part, you don't have to stalk people for a close spot and your car is less likely to get hit.
8. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator -- In addition to burning calories, you don't have to wait for the elevator, stand in a small, closed space full of strangers, or worry about getting stuck!
9. Talking to each other -- Instead of yelling for your husband, wife, or child, walk over to him/her to ask your question. You'll be more likely to gain his/her attention by looking them in the eye when speaking, rather then shouting across rooms. You never know, you may get better compliance! 10. Playing video games -- Yes, I said playing video games. The Wii has numerous games that get you and your child up and active. Try out your athletic skills and dance moves with your family. Christie Sworen-Parise, Psy.D. is an assistant professor in the Psychology/Counseling Department of Marywood University and has a private practice in Kingston, PA. She provides services to children, families, and young adults (www.drchristiesworen.com) including treatment and consultation for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), parenting issues and coping with defiance. She also specializes in sport and exercise psychology. |
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